anderson



Jan; 27, 1942. c, E, ANDERSON 2,271,471

' BUCKLE Filed Aug. 4, 1940' Patented Jan. 27, 1942 i 'i' E EFEQE BUCKLE Carl E. Anderson, East Orange, N. J., assignor to Eastern Tool & Mfg. 00., Bloomfield, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 4, 1940, Serial No. 351,335

8 Claims.

This invention relates to a buckle and has special reference to a buckle adapted to be adiusta'bly associated with straps, bands, and the like, for the support of garments or other ob jects on the person.-

More particularly, this invention relates to a buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-f-ace relation, each of the frames having-spaced sidebars and a cross bar on one of the frames co-operating'with a cross bar on the other'of the frames to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions. The co-operati-ng cross bars connect the side bars adjacent one of the ends thereof and resilient means is provided for connecting the side bars adjacent the other of the ends thereof, the cooperating cross bars being urged into a clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between the side bars by tension applied to the strap.

It is contemplated by the present invention to adopt this construction for use with various types of objects particularly on a person. However, in

the drawing and in the following description the buckle will be shown and described in connection with a shoulder strap of an overall, the strap being threaded over a co-operating' cross bar of one frame and between it and the co-operating cross bar of the other frame to continue thereafter over the last-mentioned co-operating cross bar and extend downwardly through a slot formed by spaced cross bars of the first-mentioned frame. It is readily apparent, of course, that various other uses could be mentioned in connection with buckles and fasteners generally of the type adapted to be adjustably associated with straps and that this invention, therefore, is not to be limitedto the specific use herein described and illustrated.

In a'buck-le of the above noted type it is highly desirable to provide for the utmost simplicity in the threading of the strap through the buckle, and to prcvidean ease in the adjustment of the strap through the buckle when in use on the wearer. In the present'invention the arrangement and the nature of the face-to-face frames and the flexibility of the resilient'connection therebetween cO-operate to accomplish the above desired results. Further, the construction and arrangement of the elements of the buckle are such as-to minimize the weight and expense from the standpoint of material used. I

The buckle is preferably formed of a single piece of resilient material or is provided with a resilient connection between a pair of frames disposed in a face-to face relation, and theresiliency of the connection or of the material forming the buckle permits of easy threading and a very positive grip on the strap by reason of the long effective length of the frames connected adjacent one of each of the ends thereof. The resilient means forming the connection or fold between the frames normally urge th frames in a direction away from each other to permit of the easy threading of the strap.

The strap being threaded between the co-opcrating cross bars and around each thereof, urges a clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection by a tension applied to the strap. Without tension on the strap, therefore, the buckle is in an opened condition with the pair of frames occupying a spaced position as limited by means which will hereinafter be more particularly' pointed out. When tension is applied to the strap the frames are directed toward each other to grip the strap threaded between the co-operating cross bars.

The co-operating cross bars of th frames disposed in v the face-to-face relation overlap or have overlying gripping portions which effect a tortuous binding of the strap and by reason of this characteristic as Well as the structure and arrangement to be decided the present buckle may preferably be formed of a comparatively thin spring material .0167 to .018" thick. While the cross bars co-operating to clamp the strap therebetween may be provided with straight edges and depend upon the threading of the strap in a tortuous manner to effect the necessary gripping action to prevent displacement of the strap, the drawing shows an undulated periphery which may augment the normal gripping action.

In the embodiment disclosed'in the drawing each of the frames is provided with spaced side bars and spaced cross bars, one of the cross bars being common to each frame. The cross bar common to each frame is preferably formed with a loop portion having an opening to the interior of the frame for receiving a button acting to support a garment or other article. Of course, Where a detachable engagement is not necessary or where some other form of detachable engagement is desired, the cross bar thus provided with a loop portion may be provided with any usual attaching means.

In the provision on one of the cross bars of a loop portion having an opening for receiving a button, the loop portion is preferably provided with a flange for enveloping the peripheral edge of the button for the protection thereof against accidental disengagement and for the protection of the cloth of the article to be supported against wear. Also the interior of the loop may be provided with a flange in order to prevent the exposure of a raw edge of the shank of the button which otherwise might tear or unnecessarily wear the goods of the bib of the overall to which the button is attached. The flange of the peripheral edges of the loop may be in the form of an embossment continuing with the peripherally embossed frames of the buckles.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle of the character indicated above in which it is comparatively easy to thread a strap, in which it is relatively easy to adjust the strap after it is threaded therein and while on a wearer, and which is of a minimum weight and size to be relatively inexpensive to plate, pack, freight, and store.

Another object of this invention is to provide a buckle of the type above noted which is formed of a single piece of resilient material having a fold intermediate the ends thereof to provide a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and, for a morecomplete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which latter:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of one face side of the buckle embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the other face side of the buckle embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, central, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showing the buckle in a position to adjust or thread the strap therethrough the strap being shown in broken lines;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a changed position of the buckle as tension is applied to the strap;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the buckle illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive;

Fig. '7 is a face view of the blank from which the buckle of the preceding figures is formed;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of a buckle embodying the features of this invention showing a modified form of means for limiting the expanding movement of the frames;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing a still further modified form of frame limiting means; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a modified form of button-retaining loop construction.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, thereof, the buckle of this invention comprises a pair of frames l5 and IS. The frames l5 and I6 are preferably formed of a single piece of resilient material having a fold intermediate the ends thereof so that the frames may be disposed in a face-to-face relation. The material of the frames may be relatively thin and a thickness of .016, to .018" has been found to be satisfactory. In order to use relatively thin sheet material it is preferable that the frames be peripherally embossed, frame l5 having a peripheral flange |5a and frame l'6 having a peripheral flange l6a.

Frame I5 is provided with spaced side bars l8 and I9 and cross bars 20 and 2| connecting the side bars. Cross bar 2| is relatively wide and has an intermediate portion depending therefrom forming a loop 22 having an opening 23 communicating with an opening 24 in the cross bar 2|. The opening 24 is of a size to permit the passage of the head of a button therethrough, the opening 23 being substantially smaller to receive the shank of the button. The depending loop 22 is provided with peripheral flanges 25 and 26, the flange 25 providing a seat on which the shank of a button 21 rests and the flange 26 enveloping the peripheral edge of the head of the button 21. The flange 26 may preferably form a part -or a continuation of the embossing of the periphery of the frame l5. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, that portion of the buckle against which the bib 28 of an overall or the like rests is prevented from engaging any raw edge of the buckle, the buckle having its rounded or formed edges engaging the cloth of the bib.

The frame |6 comprises a pair of spaced side bars 29 and 30 connected by a cross bar 3| adjacent one end of each of the side bars. The cross bar 2| is common to each frame l5 and I6 although, of course, it is readily understood that the frame l6 may have its own cross bar if such should be found to be desirable. The ends of the side bars 29 and 30 opposite to the ends connected by the cross bar 3| are connected by the folds I1 to the frame l5 and because of the resiliency of the material of which the'frame members are composed a resilient connection is formed between the frames. The resilient connection normally urges the frames in a direction away from each other, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3, the extent to which they are directed away from each other being limited by co-operating ears 32 and 33 extending respective- 1y from frames I5 and I'E and overlying each other. As shown more particularly in Fig. 7, the ears 32 and 33 are formed integrally with the material of the frames and are cut from the material thereof during the cutting operation on the blank and are formed during the forming operation necessitated in embossing the frames.

In the condition of the buckle shown in Fig. 3, the strap 34 may readily be threaded over the bar 20 of frame I5, between the cross bar 20 and the cross bar 3| of frame l6, over the latter cross bar and through the opening formed by the spaced cross bars 20 and 2| to, be directed downwardly beneath the bib 28 after the button 21 thereof has been engaged in the button-receiving loop 22. In this same condition of the buckle the strap 34 may readily be adjusted while on the wearer since the frames are urged in a direction away from each other to the limit of their movement. However, when tension is applied to the strap 34, the co-operating cross bars 20 and 3| of the frames 5 and I6, respectively,

are urged in a direction toward each other against the resiliency of the connection I! between the frames to clamp the strap between the co-operating cross bars in a fixed adjusted position.

It will be noted that the co-operating cross bars 20 and 3| are disposed in an overlying relation so that the direction of the strap is variously changed and the strap occupies; a very tortuous. path. The. strap initially extendsdownwardly andin passing around the crossbar extends substantially in the opposite direction. In passing over the cross bar 3| the strap extends downwardly again and is thereafter directed at a substantial right angle through the opening in the frame l5. The free end ofv the strap is directed downwardly in the initial direction of the strap.

The threading of the strap through the buckle frames is very readily accomplished, the resiliency of the connection between theframes holding them normally in an outwardly directed position away from each other. When tension is applied to the strap the resiliency of the frame members is overcome and the frames are directed toward each other so that the cross bars- 00- operate to clamp the strap in an adjusted position, therebetween. The greaterthe tension on the strap, of course, the greater will be the grip ping action on the strap. Aside from the clamping action of the co-operating cross bars and the tortuous path to which the strap is directed", the.-

friction on the strap may be increased by the provision ofundulated portions on the cooperating cross bars, such undulations being shown in the form of serrations or teeth and 35 on the cross bars 28 and 3!, respectively.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 8, the embossed frames 3 and 38 are limited in their movement in a direction away from each other by an ear 39 extending from the embossed edge of the frame 3'? and passing around and to the rear of the frame 38 to overlie the edge thereof.

The means for limiting the movement of frames 40 and 4! in a direction outwardly from each other as shown more particularly in Fig. 9 comprises an ear 52 which is cut and deformed from the material of a cross bar 43 of the frame 4!] to extend in a direction toward the other frame, the ear passing around the side bar at of the frame 4! to overlie the cross bar.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 10, a modified form of buttomretaining loop is shown, the loop 45 depending from a frame 65. In this construction the material of the loop is formed into a substantially S-shaped cross-sew tion with the peripheral flanges of the loop extending in opposite directions as distinguished from the previous modification in which the peripheral flanges of the loop extend in the same direction. Ihis construction is for the purpose of reinforcing the button-retaining loop and also preventing wear on the shank of the button or on the material to which the shank is secured.

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it isto be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars, a cross bar on one of said frames co-operating with a cross bar on the other of said frames to clamp a threaded thcrebetween in fixed adjusted positions, said cooperating cross bars connecting said side bars adjacent one end thereof, resilient means connecting said side bars adjacent the other ends thereof for normally urging said frames in a directionfaway from each: other; and. means for limiting the spaced. relation of: said frames,. said co-operating crossbars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said side bars by the tension on, the; strap. L

2. A buckleccmprising a pair of embossed frames disposedin. a face-to-face relation, each.

of said frameshaving spaced side. bars,. a cross. ba'r on. one of said: frames co-operating with a' cross bar on the other of said frames to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positionssaid co-operating cross bars connecting said sidebars adjacent one end thereof,.resilientl means connecting said side bars adjacent the other ends thereof, said (Jo-operating crossibars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said. side bars by. the tension on the strap, andaseparate cross bar on one ofsaid frames connecting. spaced sides thereof and having an, aperture therein forming a button-retaining loop for re-. ceiving a button acting to support a garment or other article, a portion of the embossing of said:

frames outlining the material bounding; said aperture toi'envelop the peripheral" edge of. the:

button.

3; A buckle formed: of a single piece'of resilient material having a fold intermediate the ends thereof to provide a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced .side bars and spaced cross bars, one of said cross bars being common to each frame and having an aperture therein forming a buttonretaining loop for receiving a button acting to support a garment or other article, and cooperating cross bars, one on each frame being adapted to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, said co-operating cross bars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the fold between said frames by the tension on said strap.

4. A buckle comprising a pair of peripherally embossed frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars and spaced cross bars, one of said cross bars being common to each frame and being formed with a loop portion having an opening to the interior of the frame for receiving a button acting to support a garment or other article, co-operating cross bars, one on eachframe being adapted to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, and resilient means for connecting said frames adjacent said cross bar common to both frames, said co-operating cross bars beingurged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said frames by the tension on said strap.

5. A buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-toface relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars, a cross bar on one of said frames co-operating with a cross bar on the other of said frames to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, said 00- operating cross bars connecting said side bars adjacent one end thereof, resilient means connecting said side bars adjacent the other ends thereof for normally urging said frames in a direction away from each other, and means comprising co-operating ears extending respectively from said frames for limiting the normally spaced relation of said frames, said co-operating cross bars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said side bars by the tension on the strap.

6. A buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars, a cross bar on one of said frames co-operating with a cross bar on the other of said frames to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, said co-operating cross bars connecting said side bars adjacent one end thereof, resilient means connecting said side bars adjacent the other ends thereof for normally urging said frames in a direction away from each other, and co-operating ears on said frames extending toward each other in overlying relation for limiting the normal spaced relation of said frames, said co-operating cross bars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said side bars by the tension on the strap.

7. A buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars and spaced cross bars, one of said cross bars being common to each frame, a second cross bar of each frame co-operating to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, and resilient means connecting said frames adjacent said cross bar common to both frames for normally urging said frames in a direction away from each other, and

means including an ear extending from one of said frames at a point adjacent the edge of said common cross bar remote from said resilient means for overlying a portion of the other frame to limit the normal spaced relation of said frames, said co-operating cross bars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said frames by the tension on said strap.

8. A buckle comprising a pair of frames disposed in a face-to-face relation, each of said frames having spaced side bars and spaced cross bars, one of said cross bars being common to each frame, a second cross bar of each frame co-operating to clamp a strap threaded therebetween in fixed adjusted positions, and resilient means connecting said frames adjacent said cross bar common to both frames for normally urging said frames in a direction away from each other, and means including an ear extending from said common cross bar for overlying a portion of a side bar of one of said frames at a point remote from said resilient means to limit the normal spaced relation of said frames, said co-operating cross bars being urged into said clamping relation against the resiliency of the connection between said frames by the'tension on said strap.

CARL E. ANDERSON. 

